In today's fast-paced world, it's all too easy to focus on the negative. We notice flaws, complain about injustices, and criticize everything from our jobs to the weather. It's almost as if we are wired to see what's wrong before we appreciate what's right. Recently, I found myself reflecting on this tendency and realized that I, too, am more likely to notice and comment on the imperfections around me than to acknowledge the good.

Curious whether this was just me, I conducted an informal survey among my friends. The results were telling. Like me, they admitted they were more inclined to leave a negative review for a product or service than to take the time to praise someone for a job well done. Why is it so much easier to dwell on the negative than to celebrate the positive?

This habit of focusing on flaws can rob us of happiness and keep us from living a richer, more fulfilling life. But how can we change this? How can we shift our mindset to see the good around us, even in difficult situations?

The world was created in beauty, joy, and harmony. Yet, like the story of Adam and Eve reminds us, humanity's fall brought imperfection into this world. Still, beauty and goodness remain—they just require more effort to notice. Developing the skill to see the good, even when faced with challenges, is crucial. A positive attitude not only improves our own well-being but also makes life more pleasant for those around us. After all, who wants to spend time with a constant complainer?

A wonderful illustration of this concept is found in the book Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter. Written as a moral tale, it introduces us to a little girl who plays the "Glad Game," finding something to be happy about in every situation, no matter how bleak. Pollyanna's optimism is not a result of ignorance or naivety; it's a conscious choice, a daily effort to focus on the positive. This mindset resonates deeply with Christian values, where joy is seen as a fundamental state of being, something worth striving for every day.

In church services, especially in hymns of praise, we don't hear laments or complaints. Instead, we hear calls to "Rejoice!" This attitude is something we can cultivate in our lives as well.

One of the most profound insights on this topic comes from St. Paisios of Mount Athos, who divided people into two categories: those who are like flies and those who are like bees. Flies are drawn to filth; they focus on the negative, ignoring the beauty around them. Bees, on the other hand, seek out what is sweet and good, bypassing the dirt. The choice is ours: do we want to be flies or bees?

As I reflect on this, I find it helpful to ask myself regularly: "Am I being a fly or a bee today?" With God's help, I hope to make the right choice each day—to seek out and appreciate the beauty and goodness in the world, rather than fixating on its flaws. It's a simple yet powerful shift in perspective that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.


Original article: radiovera.ru/muhi-i-pchely-irina-sobylenskaja